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Cycle mechanic

Alternative titles for this job include Bike mechanic, bicycle technician

Cycle mechanics build, repair and service all kinds of bikes.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

How to become a cycle mechanic

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist private training courses

College

You'll find it useful to have a recognised qualification like the Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a bicycle mechanic intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a retail assistant in a bike shop and apply for a role as a trainee mechanic. Your employer may pay for your training.

Other Routes

You could study for technical cycle maintenance qualifications offered by Cytech.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • building a bike from scratch to a customer’s specification
  • identifying problems with a bike and discussing solutions with the customer
  • estimating the cost of repairs and giving quotes
  • carrying out a bike service and safety check
  • carrying out repairs and replacing parts
  • cleaning, degreasing and lubricating bike parts
  • giving advice to customers
  • ordering bike parts and keeping a log of stock
  • taking bookings for repairs and processing paperwork
  • liaising with suppliers and dealers
  • attending cycling events to provide repairs and technical support

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or at a store.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to a large organisation like British Cycling, who employ specialist mechanics working for the British racing team. 

With 3 to 5 years’ experience you could progress to head mechanic.

You could also become self-employed and set up a mobile bike mechanic business, or open your own shop. The Cycling Experts have more information on setting up a bike shop.

As an experienced and qualified cycle mechanic you could also move into teaching other mechanics.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Courses In England

Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Motor Cycle

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: NUNEATON
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